Collin Morikawa surprised fans and analysts alike by openly discussing his decision to switch putters mid-tournament, a move rarely seen on the PGA Tour. During the Rocket Classic press conference on June 28, 2025, the world No. 5 revealed that changing putters during an event is nothing unusual for him. This candid admission challenged the traditional golfing norm where players usually stick with one putter throughout a tournament, even through poor performances.
Morikawa’s practice of swapping putters, including making changes during rounds, reflects his unconventional approach to equipment and confidence on the green. His latest change took place after struggling with putting in his first round at the Rocket Classic, where he switched from a Logan Olson blade to a prototype Spider mallet, leading to a dramatic improvement in his performance.
Morikawa’s Perspective on Mid-Tournament Putter Changes
When pressed by reporters about how often he switches putters mid-tournament, Morikawa responded with surprising straightforwardness.
“Yeah, yeah, it’s not an unusual thing,”
he said, dismissing any stigma around making equipment adjustments during play. He expanded on this by listing multiple instances throughout his career when he tried various putters, beginning with his college days at Cal and through his professional career.
“I did it — I’m sure I’ve done it a couple times this year. I did it last year at Augusta, did it a bunch early on,”
Morikawa explained, highlighting that his experimentation is deliberate rather than reactionary. He emphasized that switching putters is a natural aspect of his routine, not something uncomfortable or embarrassing.
“It’s not uncomfortable to say the least,”
he added, directly confronting critics who might see such changes as signs of desperation or lack of professionalism. His relaxed attitude surprised many, given the pressure and scrutiny players often face on tour, where stability in equipment is commonly valued.
Performance Improvement After Putter Swap at Detroit Golf Club
Morikawa’s recent form before the Rocket Classic raised concerns when he lost 10.2 strokes putting over two starts. During practice in Detroit, he publicly discussed his putter challenges, acknowledging the need for change.
“Putted like a blind man, honestly,”
Morikawa admitted about his disappointing Thursday performance. Despite the criticism that might follow, he acted swiftly by switching his putter from a Logan Olson blade to the prototype Spider mallet. The immediate impact was remarkable as he climbed from last place in putting stats to 11th after the second round.
This move was not just a whim but a calculated response to his putting struggles, showing how he balances risk-taking with tactical decisions on the course.
The History Behind Morikawa’s Equipment Choices and Success
Morikawa’s putter-switching has a documented history that challenges conventional wisdom. His most famous example is the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National. After opening with a 71 while using a mallet putter, he returned to his trusted blade design in Round 2. This adjustment helped him maintain a strong putting performance, averaging only 1.5 putts per green in regulation and ultimately finishing tied for third.
Early in his professional career, Morikawa frequently experimented with equipment, including putters, to find what best complemented his game. Before winning the 2021 Memorial Tournament, he was ranked 180th in putting statistics, but after switching to a custom TaylorMade putter, he jumped to sixth in Strokes Gained: Putting during that event, which propelled him to victory. This pattern of thoughtful experimentation has continued, with Morikawa treating putter changes as strategic moves rooted in his broader commitment to precision.
Currently ranked 109th in putting on the PGA Tour, Morikawa acknowledges that while his iron play remains elite, putting confidence is essential. His willingness to embrace equipment changes rather than stubbornly adhering to one putter reflects a mindset prioritizing performance over tradition.
Recent Changes Reflect Broader Shifts in Morikawa’s Career
This season has seen Morikawa make significant adjustments beyond equipment. Earlier in 2025, he parted ways with his longtime caddie J.J. Jakovac after six years, aiming to reinvigorate his game amid some struggles. Such decisions underscore a broader readiness to adapt and shake up routines when results falter.
His mid-tournament putter switch at the Rocket Classic might signal the start of another phase of growth, as he regains control over his putting and aims to end his winless streak that dates back to the 2023 Zozo Championship. With renewed confidence thanks to the prototype Spider mallet, Morikawa is prepared to close out the tournament strongly and refocus on climbing the leaderboard in future events.
Implications of Morikawa’s Approach for Professional Golf
Morikawa’s openness about his mid-tournament putter switches invites reflection on golf’s traditional views toward equipment stability during competition. Where many see changing putters as hesitancy or desperation, Morikawa frames it as a natural and tactical choice. His calm, unapologetic demeanor suggests a player who operates with a different philosophy than most peers, one prioritizing adaptability and practical problem-solving over perception.
Whether this bold strategy will influence other professionals remains to be seen. The improved results at Detroit demonstrate potential benefits, while the repeated success of similar changes in his career indicates a viable path for players struggling with confidence on the greens. Morikawa’s approach could challenge long-held PGA Tour norms and encourage more players to view mid-tournament equipment switches as legitimate tools to optimize performance rather than lapses in composure.
As Morikawa moves forward in the 2025 season, fans and analysts will closely watch whether his putter-switching mindset translates into renewed victories and sustained excellence on the course.
“Collin, have you changed putters in the middle of a tournament very often?” —Reporter
“Yeah, yeah, it’s not an unusual thing,” —Collin Morikawa
“I did it — I’m sure I’ve done it a couple times this year. I did it last year at Augusta, did it a bunch early on,” —Collin Morikawa
“It’s not uncomfortable to say the least,” —Collin Morikawa
“Putted like a blind man, honestly,” —Collin Morikawa
“After losing 10.2 strokes putting in his last two starts, Collin Morikawa is discussing putter changes on the practice green here in Detroit. pic.twitter.com/liDckky77F” —Ron Klos